2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission modifying stock fuel pickup for improved flow?

[Kawi600]

Has anyone modified the stock fuel pickup for more fuel flow? The reason I ask this is because Im getting ready to add a lot more horses and flow will be an issue with a stock setup.

I have run straight pickups to the bottom of the tank, but the problem I run into is that when the fuel is down near 1/4 tank I inhale a lot of air.

I took apart the stock fuel pickup and its actually a pretty decent design. There are two small rubber check valves and a float so that positive pressure allows fuel to rise up into the sender and stay there so you dont run dry.

The problem with it is that the two check valves are pretty small and the suction tube that goes down to the bottom is about 5/16.

If I could find larger rubber check valves I could ream out the holes. they are more restrictive than the suction tube.

if I cant do anything with them, has anyone come up with a way of trapping the fuel rather than sucking air? A FASS might be an option. .

 

[GAmes]

Joe Donnelly made 800 HP with his 97 and has never mentioned modifying his fuel tank pickup.

 

[Kawi600]

You wouldnt have a problem with a drag run Id imagine. Theres a lot of fuel in there. But at a low fuel level in the tank and a good uphill run with a load you might start sucking air and have problems because it cant fill fast enough.
It looks like a lot of folks just use a draw straw into the bottom of the sender but then you lose the ability of vacuum to pull up on the check valve rather than suck air from the top.